Islanders looking out across the Solent yesterday (Monday, November 3) may have caught sight of the Royal Navy’s latest specialist minehunting vessel – HMS Stirling Castle.
See the gallery of photos above
The distinctive blue-and-white warship was seen off Ryde at around 10.30am, sailing into Portsmouth for the first time after successful sea trials.
The sighting marks her arrival at the Naval Base in Portsmouth, which will now serve as her homeport.
Purchased in 2022 for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and officially redesignated HMS Stirling Castle in July 2025, the vessel will spearhead the Royal Navy’s next-generation minehunting and underwater operations.
She will act as the floating command platform for the Mine Threat Exploitation Group, which uses remotely operated and autonomous systems to detect and neutralise underwater mines and unexploded ordnance.
Her presence off the Isle of Wight could become a regular sight as she undertakes training and operational duties around UK waters.
The ship was greeted in Portsmouth by families, friends, and well-wishers celebrating months of dedication by her 55-strong crew.
Commander Phil Harper, the ship’s commanding officer, praised his crew for their exceptional efforts in transforming the vessel from a Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship into a fully operational Royal Navy unit.
He said: “This is quite a landmark. Behind us lie six months of intense work to get this ship out of lay-up, to train, and to get to sea.
“Ahead of us lie many more months of building our knowledge, developing tactics and techniques, and delivering 21st-century mine hunting from our deck.
“My team can take great pleasure in their success so far – they have wildly exceeded expectations.”
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